Thompson Ridge Fire Evening Update

Acres: 22,900; Start date: May 31, 2013; Cause: Downed powerline; Location: Valles Caldera National Preserve; Containment: 60 percent; Fuels: Mixed conifer and Ponderosa pine; Terrain: Steep, rugged; Resources: 16 crews, 42 engines, 33 water tenders, 5 dozers; Total personnel: 885 and Available air support: 3 air tankers, 6 helicopters.

Weather so often dictates what we do and how we do it.

Money IQ

The U.S. Economy 2013-So Far So Good

The U.S. economy has been fairly resilient so far in 2013, despite facing many challenges. The fiscal cliff, the combination of tax increases and government spending cuts that began at the start of the year were largely averted.

The debt limit was increased, avoiding a contentious debate with potential negative ramifications for the economy. Finally the $85 billion in spending cuts that were agreed upon in 2011 as part of the debt ceiling reductions started in March of this year and are beginning to be felt across the economy.

By WILLIAM T. SELLERS, Vice President

Recently the Los Alamos Daily Post was kind enough to reprint an op-ed I wrote for the Albuquerque Journal on the complementary nature of nuclear power, as evidenced by the push for SMRs (small modular reactors) and a graphene-based desalination concept for New Mexico's large reservoirs of brackish groundwater.

Turns out that R&D, and ramp-up on the production of graphene is exceeding even my optimistic forecast, as evidenced by this entry in the blog, Next Big Future:

The modular buildings used to house County employees temporarily since 2007 will soon be removed from the Lavy Lane lot on Trinity Drive.

The move could begin today. The modulars will be moved three at a time. Moves should occur in the early morning to avoid afternoon winds. No delays on Trinity Drive are expected. Modulars will also be moved for County employees that were housed on Central Ave – next to the Justice Center – following the move on Lavy Lane. No move will occur during Farmers Market operations. No delays to Central Avenue are expected.

Once all modulars have

In 2002, the County instituted a sidewalk obstruction removal program to clear sidewalks adjacent to homes and businesses of overgrown vegetation.

Clearing crews hired by the County removed overgrown vegetation along sidewalks in Los Alamos and White Rock, leaving clear pathways for pedestrian use.

The program proved a success because:

• The County sidewalks were reclaimed for their intended use;
• It enhanced the appearance of our community'
• It was a positive response to a problem brought forth by citizens, groups and a County board; and
• Through public information, citizens were

The Los Alamos Dog Obedience Club presents the Dawna and Megan Sims Relationship Clinic 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 27-28.

The location is to be determoned but will be in Los Alamos.

This clinic is a foundation relationship class. Learn:

• What a dog really needs and why;
• To understand what your dog is really saying;
• How to gain control of the mind (and see how the body follows);
• How to be an effective pack leader;
• The art of using behavior blocking and why it works;
• Why dogs develop undesirable behaviors and how to stop them; and
• How to connect with your dog so you can all live in a

Los Alamos County Recreation Division will join thousands of families across the nation, gathering in their backyards, neighborhoods, communities, and parks June 22 to enjoy a night of camping for the Ninth Annual Great American Backyard Campout, organized by the National Wildlife Federation.

Join Smokey Bear, Sparky the Fire Dog, and Bert the Squirrel for camping games, songs, prizes and star gazing at Overlook Park June 22. A limited number of four person and six person tents are available for families who do not have tents and would like to join in the fun.

This week marks the Grand Opening of Azazo Recycling, LLC at 3540 Orange St. # LV1, behind Los Alamos High School.

Azazo Recycling, LLC takes all electronic equipment including microwaves and small appliances. Electrical cords, brass, copper and other recycle items are accepted.

The company’s hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday and Tuesday and 7:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Wednesday.

Cash prizes ranging from $5 to $100 will be given away during the company's opening days.

Stop by and meet the folks behind Azazo Recycling, LLC and don’t forget to bring recyclable materials.

The Family YMCA’s American Red Cross Babysitters Course is set for 4-8:30 p.m., June 14 and 1-5:30 p.m., June 15. 

The course is designed by the American Red Cross to prepare youth with training in babysitter safety, basic child care, safe play, first aid and critical emergency skills, essential professional, leadership and care-giving skills, and how to manage real-life problems.

Participants must be 11 to 17 years of age and complete both days of the session they register for in order to receive certification.

BANDELIER News:

The National Park Service (NPS) is preparing a Transportation Plan/Environmental Assessment (plan/EA) to improve transportation conditions in Bandelier National Monument.

More than three decades of studies and workshops have documented transportation and congestion management challenges in Bandelier National Monument, including traffic congestion at the monument entrance and a lack of adequate parking in Frijoles Canyon.

COUNTY News:

The Department of Public Utilities Charter Review Committee will hold its next meeting at 5:30 p.m. Monday, June 17 in the Training Room of the Community Building.

The public is welcome to attend.